Chris Lombardi puts defense and security under the spotlight, as he shares his takes on recent NATO and EU cooperation and provides insight into the company’s own long-term strategic partnerships in Europe.

Three trends are currently driving the global electricity sector: decarbonization, decentralization and differentiation. Utilities are making significant contributions to mitigate carbon emissions, while a technology revolution is …

“We are still very, very far away from a genuine democratic form of government,” Suu Kyi said on Monday (21 October) at a meeting with the EU’s foreign ministers. “I would like the EU to come out unambiguously with regard to the need to amend the constitution.”

The current constitution reserves the presidency for a former member of the military, permits the military to appoint 25% of the members of parliament, and gives the military-dominated national security council power over most security issues.

Toughening up

Suu Kyi said the EU should adopt a tougher tone than in its July statement by foreign ministers that Myanmar’s “constitution should be amended, in line with the requirements of a modern democracy”.

Suu Kyi also met the European Council’s president, Herman Van Rompuy, on Sunday (20 October). On Tuesday (22 October), she addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg and picked up the Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for human rights awarded to her in 1990, when she was at the start of nearly 20 years under arrest.

In mid-November, the EU will announce a substantial package of support for Myanmar, intended to consolidate democratic reforms, boost the economy and encourage EU companies to invest in the country. The EU’s outreach will include visits by the European commissioner for industry, Antonio Tajani, and by Dacian Ciolos¸, the European commissioner for agriculture.

Since 2011, Myanmar’s government has released hundreds of political prisoners, commuted all death penalties, relaxed restrictions on the press and begun peace talks with rebels.

In response, the EU has lifted all but one sanction, an embargo on the sale of arms and equipment that could be used for internal repression. Over the same period, it has also doubled its development funding, to €200m. But rebels continue to fight in some areas, and members of Myanmar’s Muslim minority have been attacked.

As a result, over the past year the EU has provided €19.5 million in the form of humanitarian aid.